PHILIPSBURG:--- Last Saturday, January 15th, 2022, the White & Yellow Cross Care Foundation (WYCCF) organized the first of its Alzheimer’s Support Group meetings at the St. Martin’s Home in St. John’s. This meeting, which was held under strict preventative Covid-19 measures, was specifically organized to support those who have or had a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
Providing care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease can be very hard. It can become increasingly time, and energy-consuming as the persons’ capabilities slowly decrease. But also emotionally challenging to see the personality of a loved one change. After the meeting, the group expressed to find the event very useful because it allowed them to share their experiences with persons who understand the situation in a safe and confidential environment. Psychiatrist Dr. Kitty Pelswijk was also present to offer her professional expertise and experience during the meeting. This opportunity to ask specific questions was used and very much appreciated by many in the group. The support of experts and others in a similar situation is essential, as it can be difficult to provide care for someone if you are not in a good place yourself.
The St. Maarten Alzheimer’s Foundation & the Henry Ostiana Foundation were both represented during the meeting and expressed their motivation and commitment to supporting this effort in the future. The next meeting will be held in two months, and the exact date and time will be communicated to the public via (social) media. The WYCCF is pleased with the great start of this project. It is part of the organization’s goal to continuously see where the quality of its care can be improved and solidified, and this project is an excellent example of how the WYCCF aims to do this.
